Operation SENTINEL

Operation SENTINEL is the execution of our developing plan to sustain the operations of The Oasis Townsville to achieve the least adverse impact on the Townsville veteran community until ongoing operational funding is forthcoming as an outcome of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (Recommendation 86). Read more on the DVA Veterans' and Families' Hubs Network development.

Updated 26 Mar 2025.

While prospects of additional income and the potential to reduce costs evolve, we are finalising our plans and will update this page as things change.

Our current expectation is that the three key programs we conduct will be affected to some degree. Current assessment, in outline is:

Employment ("Something to Do"): Only referral to veteran-friendly job agencies and VBA activities adjusted as determined by a VBA working group currently considering options. These adjustments will likely include the cancellation of future Career Connections Showcases and reducing VBA member meetings. Our Employment Coordinator has already been made redundant.

Connections Activities ("Someone to Love "): We will likely reduce a significant proportion of available space at Homebase, currently used for over 100 connections activities each month with over 1000 participants, to take on paying occupants to increase income and sustain the organisation until the Royal Commission recommended funding materialises.

Navigation ("Something to Look Forward to"): We have paused client intakes until 1 May to develop a more efficient process. We are intent on the highest level of support for our current clients. We have been passing this link to some clients who no longer require specific attention from our Plans and Linkages Coordinators: DVA services guide.

Dirty Boots Cafe: Potential closing for the period.